by Jackdays

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House Rule: Elemental Magic

This document is Expansion to Warhammer 2nd Edition magic rules. Some of the following information has
been taken from the Realms of Sorcery (WFRP1 sourcebook), as also most of the text. I am trying to
connect WFRP1 rules to second edition rules. Rules about Elemental Rituals and Dwarfen Runes and also
details about Elemental creatures can be found from my Bestiary: Elementals document. Found from the
same site as this document.
Elementalist is the user of Elementalism or Elemental Magic, which includes Elemental Rituals. Elementals
are creatures summoned from the other realm and connected to one element.

History of Elemental Magic in the Empire

The ancient practices of Elementalism predate the days in which Teclis and the Elves came from Ulthuan
and taught humanity the rites of Colour Magic. During the Age of Wars, around the years 1260-1280, when
the Empire lacked any central authority and anarchy stalked the land, a Hedge Wizard by the name of
Gunthar the Wise spent twenty years travelling the Old World, talking to scholars and sages, trying to come
up with some overall theory of magic that would make teaching and the invention of new spells easier.
In Nuln, Gunthar was befriended by the Wizard Berthold Fessbinder of Nuln (said to be Alchemist and
user of Wind Chamon), who taught him the alchemical theory of the four elements: Air, Earth, Fire and
Water (in the Empire only four are used). Everything, Berthold said, was made up of these four elements
combined in varying degrees. Again he did not understand about Metal and Wood element. Gunthar
deduced that in some way magic too must follow this law. Thus, he reasoned, magic must likewise be
divided into four elements; the common spells must draw a little from each of the four types of magic in order
to work on the corresponding four elements of the material world.
It was a simple theory, but it was better than any other Wizard had at that time. What is more, it was
surprisingly close to the theories Teclis would elaborate on some years later. Soon a small but thriving
school for Wizards was born in Nuln, founded and run by Gunthar.
In those early days the Old World was a much wilder place. The forests were greater, the mountains
unchallenged by humanity, and the pockets of civilization were widely scattered and isolated. Much of the
magic developed by the new-fledged Elementalists related to this natural, untamed world. Most
Elementalists eventually travelled to the wilderness and lived hermit life. This is true even now. Also many
Elementalists were just Hedge Wizards easily corrupted by the Chaos.
An early surprise for the Elementalists was the discovery of the strange creatures known as Elementals. At
first the wizards thought they had discovered a new type of being, but they soon came to realize the truth
was nowhere near so straightforward. Instead, they found that in fact they were allowing the elements to
manifest corporeally through the application of magic.
With Hedge magic-users the Elemental Magic remained in human memory with Hedge tradition. Still this
was most respected magical art before the Color Magic was taught by the Elves. Then became mighty
Chaos Incursion and this was the beginning of the Great War Against Chaos. And then Elves and Teclis
came to Empire. After Elves taught the real use of Aethyr they also helped humans to use and understand
Elemental Rituals and magic involved to those elements far better. Teclis was genuinely impressed by the
Elementalism theories, but corrected few teaching for better use of elemental magic. Not all humans wanted
to follow the teaching of Elves, but many did. Elementalism became part of Orders that Elves helped to
create. At least mostly. Elementalism became specialized type of magic, which only few took to themselves
inside those Orders to learn. But also Hedge tradition lived. After the Colleges Elementalism loosed its
status.

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As there was in the old times (before Colleges), there is also now. There are Hedge Wizards that learn these
Elemental powers without Colour Magic training in the Orders. These Elementalists must gain their spells
with Witchcraft Talent taking spells connected to the element. Their power is never as powerful as College
Wizards power (which can summon more powerful elemental forces) and they risk more for Tzeentch Curse
and corruption. With Elemental Rituals they can be very powerful opponents.
There are some theories that Elementals come from the same realms as Chaos, even they are immune to
Chaos effects. Not even the Elves are really sure about this, but they do believe that Elementals are also
used by Chaos as servants. Chaos servants commonly call Elementals as Elemental Masters and they are
usually linked to the Lord of Change Tzeentch.

Traditional Elemental Opposites.

Void is left in the middle.
Earth Fire

Wood

VOID

Water

Metal

Air

There are many other ways to present elements. Above present all six and Void. Some pictures show
different connections between elements. Also more variation comes among different Nations and Races that
do not use all elements. Example in the Empire only four basic elements are commonly pictured and they
form Elemental Circle. Opposites, yet connected in the circle.

Elementalists and the Orders of Magic

Elementalists are not separate group of magic-users outside the Orders. They are separate groups inside
certain Orders specialized in shaping of elements. One could say that these are just elitist groups inside
Orders. Each Elementalist group teaches and researches ways to control one type of Elemental Force. This
means learning certain type of magic (check below from the schools) and Elemental Rituals for that Element,
which are the highlight of their study. Elementalists guard secrets of these Rituals jealously not giving them
to any outsiders that havent been accepted to Elementalist Schools and trained there. Those who enter
these schools have access to learn these Rituals. Because Elementalist have their own schools not all of
them are in good terms with the elder Magisters of their own Colour Orders.
Usually Elemental schools do not train Apprentice Wizards. They are directed to Colleges of Magic to learn
the basics of magic. When these Magister reach the level Journeyman Wizard they may travel to Elemental
Schools to specialize. Not many magisters actually care to join Elemental Schools, but even those few are
tested and not all are accepted.
There have been some Battle-Wizards that have come from the ranks of Elementalists during the history.
But this is not common. Elemental creatures can be powerful ally when summoned, but they can be also
very dangerous foe, if something fails. Failure to use these rituals in battlefield may cause serious damage
to own troops. This is why most armies do not prefer Elementalist magisters among their ranks.

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Creating Elementalist
All Elementalists must learn first Arcane Knowledge (Elementalism) and Speak Arcane Language
(Elemental) skills when they start training to become full Elementalists. You may substitute any Academic
Knowledge and Arcane Language (Magick) for those. Magister must take right Lore (check below from the
schools) and Hedge Wizards right spells with Witchcraft Talent. Usually Least Ritual is taught to the
Journeyman Wizards. Lesser- and Major Rituals for Master Wizards and Greater Ritual maybe when
Elementalist finally reaches Wizard Lord career. Greater Elemental ritual is very well protected secret. These
rules are for College Magisters.
Also check my document Career Expansion: Hedge Wizards, found from the same site as this document.
This gives expanded rules for Elemental Hedge Wizards.
Commonly in the Empire magic-users only know four basic elements: Air, Earth, Fire and Water. Among
other countries and races different elements are known. Lores connected to different elements are following:

Elementalism (Air): Lore of Heavens or with Realms of Sorcery use The Heavens Elemental

Elementalism (Earth): Lore of Life or with Realms of Sorcery use Life Cardinal

Elementalism (Fire): Lore of Fire or with Realms of Sorcery use Fire Mystical

Elementalism (Metal): Lore of Metal or with Realms of Sorcery use Metal Elemental

Elementalism (Water): Lore of Life or with Realms of Sorcery use Life Elemental

Elementalism (Wood): Lore of Metal or with Realms of Sorcery use Life Mystical

Elemental Schools in the Empire

The Eldritch University (Elementalists Guild)
The Eldritch University of Nuln is a specialist Elementalist College (or University), and the biggest organized
centre of the study and teaching of Elementalism in the Empire. Originally the university styled itself as an
Elementalists Guild, but when the Academy of Wizardry (University College of the Nuln) took the title of
university two hundred years ago it followed suit rather than lose face. The university has an ancient
tradition there has been a Wizards Association on the site for almost a thousand years. The present tower
was built six hundred years ago by Kaspar Maurer, a mason turned Earth Elementalist.
Tower is an immense single round tower with arrowslit windows. It looms over the Nuln skyline this is the
Eldritch University. The walls are built of granite, brought to Nuln at great trouble and expense. There is a
bronze plaque on the wall explaining that granite best symbolizes elementalism because it is a rock (Earth)
born of Fire and Air, and that this granite comes from a river bed linking it to Water. Even without this
instructive plaque the college is an impressive sight. The walls appear to be smooth, and unbroken by a gate
or door. One of the first tests of worthiness for applicant is to find a way into the building, either through
demonstration of their power over the stone or by showing humility and calling for the door keeper to open a
passage through the rock for them.
Air Elementalism:
These Elementalists come from the ranks of The Celestial Order. They do not usually call themselves after
specialization anymore Astromancers, but Air Elementalists. Air Elementalists usually study The Heavens
Elemental spell list (if you use Realms of Sorcery). And after this specialize more of air controlling spells
than divinations.
Air School is situated high in the Grey Mountains, a days travel south of Axe Bite Pass, at the edge of a
terrifying precipice. School was build here in the year 2116. It can only be reached by climbing a dizzying
trail through the mountains, requiring either an experienced guide or a map, or magical means. The Air
School is gothic appearance castle on the edge of a cliff. Build from dark rock, with many towers, spires,
ledges and gargoyles, together with one crystal dome. It is rumored that elemental creatures and gargoyles
guard the castle.

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Earth Elementalism:
These Elementalists come from the ranks of The Jade College. They do not usually call themselves after
specialization anymore Druids or Jade Wizards, but Earth Elementalists. Earth Elementalists usually study
Life Cardinal spell list (if you use Realms of Sorcery). And after this specialize more of earth controlling
spells.
Earth School is situated high in the province of Stirland near Wurtbad. Legends tell that a school was found
th
th
in 18 century, but officially it was probably created in the beginning of 24 century. School itself is built into
the side of an east-facing hill in order to catch the dawn light. From the outside it does not appear to be a
large building. Surrounding the school are cultivated fields which provide most of the food for its inhabitants.
Beyond the fields lie the river Stir and the road to Wurtbad.
Fire Elementalism:
These Elementalists come from the ranks of The Bright Order. They do not usually call themselves after
specialization anymore Pyromancers, but Fire Elementalists. Fire Elementalists usually study Fire Mystical
spell list (if you use Realms of Sorcery).. And after this specialize more of Fire controlling spells.
Fire School is in the city of Bechafen, in the province of Ostermark. It has been its current site since year
2493. Unlike most magical schools it is not in a dramatic building. Instead, the school is a small,
undistinguished building in a back street in the poorest quarter of the city. Squeezed between a noisy tavern
and a smithy. There is no sign marking it as a place of magic, except a small faded flame painted on the
door. But building is fireproofed and guarded by magical means.
Water Elementalism:
These Elementalists come from the ranks of The Jade College. They do not usually call themselves after
specialization anymore Druids or Jade Wizards, but Water Elementalists. Water Elementalists usually study
Life Elemental spell list (if you use Realms of Sorcery). And after this specialize more of water controlling
spells.
Water School is castle simply known as Castle Water. It is situated in the principality of Reikland along the
Teufel river near the town of Grunburg. Castle and the school of Water Elementalism were created in year
2002. Actually the original, first High Master of school, was Hildegard daughter of Baron von Teufel. She
holds the rank of High Master of the Water School and also noble rank of baroness. Her son became also
Elementalist and Master, but also took over Barony. But he was childless. He also was good terms with
current emperor and also the Grand Theogonist, so new rule was created Anyone elected to be the
schools High Master would also rule the Barony. But the rank would never be passed to any children High
Master might have.
The Castle Water is a plain, sturdy castle of traditional design. The only unusual feature is that it is built over
the river right over it, in fact. The castle is constructed like a bridge between two islands in the fast-flowing
river Teufel, with the water running around the outside of the building like a moat, as well as through the
centre of it. An ability to swim, fly or walk on water is required to reach the castle. It is said that uninvited
boats are destroyed by guarding Elemental creature hiding in the river.

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Elemental Magic Among the Races & Nations

Elemental magic was common among most of the human nations in the Warhammer World. Yet, also other
races have knowledge about Elementals Magic. Still Elementalists are specialist magic-users not so
common among any race. Elemental Rituals should be well-guarded secrets not easily passed to anybody
and known only by few individuals among any race.
Beastmen:
Beastmen have not mastered Elementalism. Some have theories, especially Elementalists and Druids, that
because Beastmen are abominations to nature they cannot learn Elemental Magic.
Daemons:
It is not really known can Daemons summon Elementals to their realm, but this is probably true. In this case
they may use Elementals as their servants also. Elemental Rituals are probably only known by few
Daemons. But it is known that some may have even taught these rituals to human Sorcerers.
Dwarfs:
Chaos Dwarfs: Chaos Dwarfs have mastered more than their cousins the true Elemental magic and among
their Sorcerers are Fire Elementalists, and also knowledge about both Earth- and Metal elements.
Dwarfs: Dwarfs, masters of Rune magic, also know the Elementals. They use them in their Rune magic.
These Runes are used to protect and guard places. Common elements are Earth and Metal, but also Fire
and Water are sometimes used. There are rumors that there has been Dwarfen Elementalists, which
basically could be possible, with only the problem the Curse of Stone (details can be found from the Tome of
Corruption), which turns Dwarfen magic-users eventually to stones. This Elementalism has even been
connected to the isolated Norse Dwarfs, and also to the Dwarf Clan of Nornharaz. But it is not known are
these rumors really true.
Elves:
Dark Elves: From High Elves the rituals and knowledge about Elemental Magic has made its way also to
the Dark Elves. Check High Elves.
High Elves: High Elves (and also Sea Elves of Marienburg) know the secrets of Elemental Magic, and there
have always been few among them that have specialized to that. Actually many elder Loremaster do know
the skills and rituals (for multiple elements). Elves do use Elemental beings. Most common are probably Airand Water Elementals that are used to both guard and help their movement in the seas.
Wood Elves: Wood Elves commonly specialize to Air- and Wood elements.
Giants:
Giants do not normally master any magic. Rare Giant race of Jotuns, found from the Norsca, have mastered
the use of Winds of Magic in the beginning of time. Some may also posses the knowledge of Elemental
Rituals, but magic-users are very rare among their kind also.
Greenskins:
It should be very much possible that Greenskin shamans might actually learn Hedge way to cast Elemental
Magic, but this still unheard. Elemental summoning Greenskin shaman could really be frightening enemy.
Halflings:
Halflings just cannot master any magic.

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Humans:
Hedge Elementalists have lived among all the human nations in the Old World. Many scholars even believe
that Elemental magic was known by the people of ancient Nehekhara.
Albion: It seems that humans of misty Albion know also something about Elementalism, but it is rare, known
by only few masters. Truthsayers, Albion Druids, may specialize to Air-, Earth- and Wood elements. Wood is
the most common.
Araby: Elementalism is known by the magic-users of Araby. This could be heritage from ancient Nehekhara.
Most commonly they specialize to Earth element. But Air and Fire are common also.
Cathay & Far-East: Rituals of Elemental summoning are common in the Grand Cathay. In the far-east
magic-users specialize to either Air-, Earth-, Fire-, Water- or Wood Elementals.
Chaos: Servants of the Dark Gods can learn Elementalism also, even some say that their status (aligned to
Chaos) is against the natural order and this is not possible. Commonly it is the Lord of Change that teaches
his servants the secrets of Elemental Masters. Servants of the Dark Gods may be the users of any elements
in any part of the world. Even in the Northlands there are Sorcerers that know some of the Elemental
Rituals, but this is very rare.
Old World: Coming of Colleges of Magic have divided Elementalist numbers and turned, especially in the
Empire, them to College Wizards that specialize in Elemental magic later, if they still want (problem is that
Elementalists and pure College Wizards do not like each other). In other nations Hedge Elementalism lives
more freely, not influenced that much by Colleges, but still very much controlled by local customs. In the
lands of Old World Bretonnia and Kislev has least traditions concerning Elementalism. Bretonnia magic-use
(except Grail Damsels) is very minimum and in Kislev Ice Witch tradition is very similar to Elementalism
drawing the power from the elements of the very land. Even Elemental secrets do not live among the Kislev
Ice Witches they could easily learn them.
Primitive Tribes: Some minor Elemental knowledge lives among some primitive tribes that can be found
from the South Lands, Khuresh and from the New World. But their ability to wield magic is very weak.
Lizardmen:
Elemental magic is known to the powerful magic-using Slann. They know the skills and all the Elementals.
Ogres:
Ogres have not mastered Elementalism.
Restless Dead, the:
Liches and some Vampires are powerful spell-casters. It is very much possible that some may have even
been former Elementalists (example Hedge Elementalists) turned to the Necromancy. This would make
powerful combination of magic. Among the Tomb Kings Air- and Earth elements are most common.
Skaven:
There are rumors that some Grey Seers have actually tried to learn the secrets of Elementalism and have
successfully learned skills and some rituals. Dark rumors, among the Skaven, tell that first experiments were
sabotaged and the summoned Elemental attacked its summoners. For Skaven Elemental forces could be
valuable allies (or slaves). Most common element is probably Fire.

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